The Unbelievable Story Behind 'Rebound Bosh, Back Out To Allen, His Three-Pointer... BANG!'

The phrase "Rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer... BANG!" is arguably the most famous and culturally significant piece of commentary in modern NBA history. As of December 15, 2025, over a decade after the event, the four pivotal words—*back out to Allen*—continue to define the high-stakes drama and perfect execution of a single, game-saving moment. This legendary sequence from Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs is not just a highlight; it is a masterclass in preparation, clutch performance, and iconic sports broadcasting that secured a title and cemented the legacies of multiple Hall of Famers. The moment, delivered by broadcaster Mike Breen, remains a touchstone for basketball fans worldwide, symbolizing the razor-thin margin between victory and devastating defeat in the NBA Finals. It is a story of a missed shot, an improbable rebound, a calm retreat, and a perfect release under unimaginable pressure.

Ray Allen: Biography and Hall of Fame Profile

Walter Ray Allen Jr. is one of the most decorated and respected players in basketball history, primarily known for his legendary shooting prowess and relentless work ethic.

• Full Name: Walter Ray Allen Jr.
• Born: July 20, 1975, in Merced, California.
• Nationality: American.
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m).
• Position: Shooting Guard.
• NBA Career: 18 seasons (1996–2014).
• Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1996–2003), Seattle SuperSonics (2003–2007), Boston Celtics (2007–2012), Miami Heat (2012–2014).
• NBA Championships: 2 (2008 with Celtics, 2013 with Heat).
• NBA All-Star: 10-time selection.
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Legacy: Retired as the NBA's all-time leader in three-point field goals made (a record later surpassed by Stephen Curry).

The Five Seconds That Changed NBA History: Deconstructing the 'Back Out to Allen' Moment

The iconic phrase is the climax of a play that began with just 20.1 seconds left in regulation of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat were trailing the San Antonio Spurs 95-92. The Spurs were literally moments away from celebrating their fifth NBA championship, having already brought the championship trophy and the yellow tape to cordon off the court. The tension in the American Airlines Arena was palpable, setting the stage for one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

1. The Setup: The LeBron Miss and Chris Bosh's "Unthinkable" Rebound

The play began with a three-point attempt by Heat superstar LeBron James, which missed. The ball caromed off the rim, and the Spurs' players, already in celebration mode, failed to secure the defensive rebound. This is where the first miracle occurred: Chris Bosh, the Heat's power forward, tracked the long rebound, leaping over multiple Spurs players to tap the ball out toward the three-point line. Bosh later admitted that the pass to Allen was not a conscious decision, but an instinctive reaction to the situation. He wasn't thinking; he was simply trying to keep the possession alive. This "unthinkable" offensive rebound by Bosh, often overshadowed by the shot itself, was the essential catalyst for the entire sequence.

2. The Retreat: Allen's Backpedal and the Practice Drill

As Bosh secured and tipped the ball, Ray Allen was not standing still. He was, in fact, actively *backpedaling* from the top of the key toward the corner three-point line. This movement—the literal "back out to Allen"—was the result of years of meticulous, almost obsessive practice. Allen has often spoken about the preparation, stating that the iconic shot was less about the moment and more about the hundreds of thousands of times he had practiced that exact scenario. He knew, without looking, exactly where the three-point line was. He caught the ball mid-retreat, his feet perfectly set just behind the line, and released the shot over the outstretched arm of Spurs defender Tony Parker.

3. The Commentary: Mike Breen's Perfect Four-Word Call

The shot’s legendary status is intrinsically linked to the call by ESPN’s Mike Breen. Breen, known for his concise and impactful commentary, delivered a line that is now synonymous with clutch basketball. The full sequence of his call is: "James catches, puts up a three, won't go. Rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer... BANG!" The power lies in the perfectly timed pause and the use of his signature exclamation: "BANG!" The four words, "back out to Allen," perfectly capture the spatial movement and the desperate, yet controlled, nature of the pass. Breen later called it one of his most memorable calls, noting the shot itself was one of the most clutch in NBA Finals history. The call is so iconic that it has become a popular meme and a shorthand reference for any improbable, game-tying or game-winning shot.

4. The Aftermath: The Heat's Championship and the Shot's Eternal Legacy

Allen's shot tied the game at 95-95 with just 5.2 seconds left, forcing a decisive overtime period. The Heat, energized by the miraculous comeback, went on to win Game 6 in overtime (103-100). This victory shifted the momentum entirely, allowing them to secure the championship in Game 7 a few days later. The moment's legacy extends far beyond the 2013 title:

• Clutch Iconography: It is consistently ranked among the most clutch shots ever, demonstrating the value of a veteran shooter's preparation.
• The Enduring Trio: It is the defining moment of the "Big Three" era in Miami (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh), providing the second of their back-to-back championships.
• Meme Status: The phrase, particularly the "BANG!" segment, is frequently used in social media, highlight reels, and discussions, proving its timeless cultural impact.
• Ray Allen's Mindset: Allen himself has often reflected that he was so focused that he actually thought the shot was going to miss because "it felt low," which only adds to the miracle of its successful arc.

The "back out to Allen" play is a testament to the idea that greatness is found in the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Chris Bosh's tenacity and Ray Allen's machine-like repetition converged at the precise moment the Miami Heat needed a miracle. The phrase, forever etched in the annals of NBA lore, will always be the sonic bookmark for one of basketball's most unforgettable moments.